Electric Castle Festival

Electric Castle is an annual music festival held at the historic Bánffy Castle in Transylvania, Romania. This unique event merges music, technology, and alternative arts, offering attendees a diverse range of experiences. The festival features an eclectic mix of music genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, techno, and drum and bass, alongside captivating art installations.

Since its debut in 2013, Electric Castle has seen significant growth. The first edition drew over 32,000 music enthusiasts and featured acts like Morcheeba, Pendulum DJ Set, and James Zabiela. By 2014, attendance had surged to 79,000, with performances from prominent artists such as Die Antwoord, Thievery Corporation, and Bonobo. The festival continued to attract large crowds, and by 2019, it was hosting headliners like Florence + The Machine, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Limp Bizkit.

The festival's distinctive setting at Bánffy Castle enhances its appeal. This Baroque monument, owned by the Bánffy family, is currently undergoing restoration efforts led by the Transylvania Trust. Electric Castle contributes to these restoration initiatives by donating a portion of its ticket sales to the cause. In addition to preserving cultural heritage, the festival boosts the local economy, generating income for residents who provide accommodation, parking, and food services to festival-goers.

Electric Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years, including awards from the European Festival Awards for Best Medium-Sized Festival and Best Camping Experience. Its sustainability and community engagement efforts have also been recognized, garnering the Best Food & Drinks Award and nominations for Green Operations.